Filling
/ˈfɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of putting something into a container or space to make it full.
/ˈfɪlɪŋ/
The action of making something full or complete.
The filling of the balloons was a messy task.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're pouring juice into a glass until it's full! 'Filling' is the act of making something full, like filling a box with toys or a tummy with yummy food.
👶 For kids: When you put something into a space to make it full, like putting water in a cup.
More Examples
They are responsible for the filling of all customer orders.
The filling of the document was an arduous job.
How It's Used
"The filling of the water tank took several hours."
"The filling of the hole with gravel was the first step."
A substance or material used to fill a space, especially in dentistry or food.
/ˈfɪlɪŋ/
Material used to fill a space.
The chocolate filling made the cake extra delicious.
💡 Simply: Think of the yummy stuff inside your sandwich or the material the dentist puts in your tooth! That's a 'filling.' It's something used to fill a space or hole.
👶 For kids: The stuff that goes inside your sandwich or your tooth when you have a hole.
More Examples
The dentist replaced the old filling with a new one.
The pie was made with a sweet cherry filling.
How It's Used
"The dentist placed a filling in my cavity."
"The pie had a delicious apple filling."
The present participle of the verb "fill".
/ˈfɪlɪŋ/
Present participle of fill.
The chef is filling the pastry with custard.
💡 Simply: If you're in the middle of making something full, like pouring milk into a glass, you are 'filling' it.
👶 For kids: You are doing the job of making something full, like filling your water bottle.
More Examples
She is currently filling out the application.
They are filling their gas tank.
How It's Used
"The factory is filling orders."
"He is filling a managerial position."
Idioms & expressions
filling in
Providing missing information or taking over for someone temporarily.
"I'm filling in for John while he's on vacation."
From Middle English *fillynge*, from Old English *fylling* ("filling"), related to the verb *fyllan* ("to fill").
The word "filling" has been used in English since the Old English period, initially referring to the act of filling, and evolved to include the material used for filling.
Memory tip
Think of 'filling' a container with sand.